James E. Ferguson II

James Elliott Ferguson II (October 10, 1942 – July 21, 2025) was an American lawyer.

Life and career

Ferguson was born on October 10, 1942, in Asheville, North Carolina.[1] His parents sold coal and kindling, working for wealthy white families.[2] Due to being born in the Jim Crow era, he took an interest in racial equality, enrolling at North Carolina Central University and getting involved in desegregation efforts.[3]

Ferguson was involved in the Wilmington Ten, a case that involved America’s first political prisoners of conscience, as declared by Amnesty International. Forty years later, he secured pardons for the defendants.[4]

Ferguson died on July 21, 2025, at the age of 82.[5]

References

  1. ^ Ferguson, James Elliott (November 28, 2001). "James E. Ferguson II oral history interview, 2001 November 28". J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections (Audio and PDF). Interviewed by Melinda H. Desmarais. Charlotte, North Carolina: University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Retrieved July 25, 2025. hdl:20.500.13093/uncc:108
  2. ^ "James Ferguson Obituary (2025) - Asheville, NC - 828 News Now". Legacy.com. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  3. ^ "James E. Ferguson II - 2017 Ayscue Award Winner". www.meckbar.org. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  4. ^ Sardonia, Marisa (July 22, 2025). "Prominent North Carolina civil rights attorney James Ferguson dies at 82". WLOS. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  5. ^ Russell, Dedrick (July 21, 2025). "Remembering North Carolina civil rights legend James E. 'Fergie' Ferguson II". WBTV. Retrieved July 25, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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